Is swimming allowed at Clifty Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Clifty Falls.

Live Conditions · 0 ft³/s · About average

Clifty Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Clifty Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Clifty Falls.

Indiana

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve SCA · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Gallopingphotog CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Don Ski CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

jjjj56cp CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Loop

About Clifty Falls

Clifty Falls plunges through a rugged limestone gorge in Clifty Falls State Park, offering a series of dramatic cascades—most notably Big Clifty Falls, Little Clifty Falls, Hoffman Falls, and Tunnel Falls—that look their best after heavy rains or spring snowmelt. The waterfalls sit within the Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve and are managed by SPR, giving hikers a chance to explore steep, wooded canyon walls and scenic overlooks carved by the creek. The park’s compact, canyoned setting makes for intimate waterfall views that draw photographers and families alike. The falls are part of Clifty Falls State Park’s roughly 1,416 acres in Jefferson County, Indiana, about 46 miles northeast of Louisville, Kentucky. The park attracts roughly 370,000 visitors annually and traces its origins to an October 27, 1920 gift of 570 acres from citizens of Madison at the suggestion of Richard Lieber. Visitors should come prepared for uneven terrain and bring good footwear to fully enjoy the cascades and canyon scenery preserved here by SPR.

The Setting

Clifty Falls sits at 709 feet within Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve, fed by the Indian Kentuck Creek, in the foothills of Indiana.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with about 350 feet of elevation gain; it’s rated moderate and features mixed surfaces—rocky dirt paths, steep inclines, and wooded singletrack—so expect some uneven footing and short, steep sections. The trail follows the canyon toward the falls with several viewpoints and shorter spur trails that get you closer to the water; Trail 2 and Trail 5 are popular options for up-close waterfall access. Managed within the Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve (SPR), the route is best suited to hikers comfortable with moderate grades and variable trail surfaces.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Clifty Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $7.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Clifty Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfalls are typically at their fullest due to rain and snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Trails can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of cliffs or waterfalls. Poison ivy is common in the area.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

0 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

Based on 56 years of record

2.78 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

INDIAN-KENTUCK CREEK NEAR CANAAN, IN

USGS 03291780

12.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 28 sq mi

Altitude: 588 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge INDIAN-KENTUCK CREEK NEAR CANAAN, IN (20 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

0 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

0 cfs

3/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid February to late April, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Madison hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 173 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 708 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 80 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 74 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face south and sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Clifty Falls near Madison, Indiana, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Clifty Falls near Madison, Indiana, showing about 173 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing south

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 708 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 173 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: South; Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Clifty Falls State Park is located near Madison, Indiana. The park entrance is accessible via State Road 62. Visitors can follow park signage to reach the main parking areas and trailheads.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at multiple locations within the park, including near the main trailheads and picnic areas.

Elevation

709 feet above sea level

Coordinates

38.766448° N, -85.436348° W

Land Management

Clifty Canyon Nature Preserve SCA

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, as some trails can be rocky or uneven. Check the weather forecast and trail conditions before visiting.